With one resounding sentence, there is no room for maneuver.
Lang Qianqiu said in a deep voice, "You admit it, that's good."
I've said before that there are countless priests in the Heavenly Court with blood on their hands. However, to be honest, few have gotten into this kind of trouble because of these old blood debts.
The reasons for this are, firstly, that the blood on the hands of the other priests was that of mortals. Furthermore, none of these mortals had a descendant as worthy as Lang Qianqiu, ascending to heaven and holding the murderer accountable as a priest. Secondly, after ascending to heaven, they tended to conceal their shameful past whenever possible, keeping it well hidden and rarely bringing it to light. Even with the commotion that had escalated to this point, it was a rare sight.
Now that the conflict has come to light, everyone's biggest concern is how it will end. Pei Su, despite General Pei's support, was ultimately exiled to the mortal world, while Xie Lian has no one to lean on. Now, it all depends on whether Jun Wu still cherishes their friendship and is willing to protect him.
However, the priests couldn't quite grasp Jun Wu's true attitude toward Xie Lian. When Prince Xianle ascended the first time, he'd naturally shown favor to him. But during his second ascension, the two engaged in a fierce battle, with Xie Lian stabbing Jun Wu several times before he was subdued. During their third ascension, the two were quite amicable, seemingly oblivious to their earlier encounter. This was truly puzzling. Consequently, many ears perked up, waiting to hear what the higher-ups would decide.
Unexpectedly, before Jun Wu could make his decision, Xie Lian spoke first. He said, "Xianle has an unwelcome request."
Jun Wu said: "You say."
Xie Lian said, “Please, Your Majesty, remove me from the immortal register and demote me to the mortal realm.”
Upon hearing this, some priests were surprised, yet also slightly impressed. After all, no one wants to be demoted. How difficult is it to ascend? After working so hard to reach such a high point, the thought of falling down suddenly is terrifying. They couldn't dare to directly ask Jun Wu to demote them. However, some priests didn't take it seriously. After all, things had come to this point, and perhaps retreating was better than stubbornly denying it. Besides, Xie Lian had already been demoted twice, so a third demolition shouldn't be a big deal. He should have gotten used to it by then.
Lang Qianqiu said, "You don't need to belittle yourself. Your ascension is your own ability. I just want to have a decisive battle with you."
Xie Lian said, "I don't want to fight you."
Lang Qianqiu asked, "Why? It's not like you haven't fought me before. This fight, regardless of life or death, is over!"
Xie Lian said calmly, "No reason. If you fight me, you will surely die."
His understatement elicited a faint gasp from the surrounding crowd. Many non-Martial God priests thought: How dare you, a shabby god without even a shred of mana, tell Lang Qianqiu, a dignified Eastern Martial God, that a fight with me would be a sure death? Such arrogance! He acted as if his demotion was a concession to Lang Qianqiu, a complete exaggeration. However, Lang Qianqiu didn't find his words exaggerated at all. He simply said seriously, "I said, life or death! I don't need you to let me."
Xie Lian didn't respond, and said to Jun Wu, "Please, Your Majesty, demote me to the lower realms."
Lang Qianqiu wanted to grab him to respond, but Shi Qingxuan quickly said, "Wait a minute! Everyone, I think this matter is suspicious."
Jun Wu said, "Wind Master, please speak."
Shi Qingxuan said, "All the immortal officials seem to believe that His Highness Xianle disguised himself as Fangxin and massacred the Yong'an Imperial Family out of revenge. But if he wanted revenge, why did he spare His Highness Taihua, the Crown Prince of Yong'an? Logically speaking, wouldn't the person an avenger would want to kill the most be His Highness the Crown Prince?"
This section had been on everyone's mind, but they hadn't felt the need to speak up. Only after Master Feng took the lead did a few nod in agreement. Shi Qingxuan added, "Though I haven't known Xie Lian for long, I witnessed him face the scimitar's fate head-on to save His Highness Taihua. Qianqiu," he turned to Lang Qianqiu, "if they harbored any hatred towards the Yong'an Imperial Family, how could they risk their lives to shield you from the sword?"
Hearing the phrase "meet the scimitar's fate head-on," Feng Xin and Mu Qing's expressions froze. Lang Qianqiu remained silent. A small voice muttered, "Perhaps it's out of guilt," but Shi Qingxuan quickly added loudly, "So! I think this matter is questionable!"
At this time, Pei Ming sighed and said, "I'm so envious."
Shi Qingxuan flicked his whisk and said unhappily, "General Pei, just speak frankly."
Pei Ming stood upright, holding his sword, and said with a smile, "When I say I'm envious, I mean it. I envy His Highness Xianle for having the full support of Master Feng and for speaking up for justice. Our little Pei doesn't have that blessing. I said I had doubts about that matter, but it was stubbornly rejected. How can I not be envious?"
Shi Qingxuan said, "General Pei, please don't confuse the issue. How can Xiao Pei's case be the same? I witnessed his evil deeds with my own eyes, and I heard him admit it with my own ears."
Pei Ming said, "Isn't it the same today? His Highness Taihua witnessed his evil deeds with his own eyes, and heard His Highness Xianle admit it with his own ears. What's the difference?"
Shi Qingxuan was furious and was about to argue with him again, but Xie Lian grabbed him and said, "Master Feng, thank you very much. I appreciate your kindness. But it won't be necessary."
Shi Qingxuan couldn't think of a way to refute Pei Ming for a moment. He pointed at him and held his breath. Then, Jun Wu finally spoke. He said calmly, "Everyone, please be patient."
His voice wasn't particularly loud, but rather calm. Yet, every priest in the Divine Martial Hall heard it clearly and quickly stood back. When the hall quieted down, Jun Wu said, "Taihua, you've always been a bit impulsive. Don't rush into things. Listen calmly before making a decision."
Hearing this, Lang Qianqiu bowed his head to accept the instruction. Many priests were shocked: Oh no! Looking at this situation, is he going to be saved?!
As expected, Jun Wu continued, "Xianle refuses to confess everything, so her request to demote herself is invalid. She will be detained in Xianle Palace and confined there until I personally interrogate her. Until then, Taihua should not meet with Xianle for the time being."
The "click" in the hearts of the priests drew out a long string of echoes: It really is saved!
Jun Wu protected Xie Lian, a laughingstock of the Three Realms with no territory or merit, and perfunctorily dealt with Lang Qianqiu. Lang Qianqiu, the Martial God of the East, might be displeased by this, a truly unprofitable deal. But he still protected him despite this—could it be that Xie Lian still held Jun Wu's admiration?!
Do I have to be careful with what I say in the future?
Moreover, everyone was quite concerned about that "Xianle Palace." When Xie Lian heard these three words, he was also startled, thinking, "My merits are insufficient, so I don't have a palace. The previous Xianle Palace was demolished long ago, so where did this Xianle Palace come from?" On second thought, he immediately understood. Jun Wu must have built him a new palace, most likely intending to find an excuse to grant it to him after returning from the Ghost Market. Unexpectedly, it was now being used to confine him.
Being confined to his home awaiting trial was a stalling tactic. Many priests, sensing a subtle shift in attitude, secretly resolved to refrain from publicly mentioning the words "laughing stock of the Three Realms." Shi Qingxuan breathed a sigh of relief, praising the Emperor's wisdom, and prepared to question Lang Qianqiu. Lang Qianqiu, however, stared intently at Xie Lian and said, "Your Majesty, you may interrogate me with whatever you wish, but no matter the outcome, I will fight you!"
After saying this, he bowed to Jun Wu and turned to leave the hall. Jun Wu waved his hand, and several martial priests gathered and led Xie Lian away. As they passed in front of Shi Qingxuan, Xie Lian whispered to him, "Master Feng, thank you so much. However, if you really want to help me, you don't have to speak for me. Can I ask you for two favors?"
Shi Qingxuan said, "Go ahead and tell me."
Xie Lian said, “The young man I brought here is in the side hall. I’ll trouble you to bring him to the Emperor later. There’s no need for you to explain, sir; the Emperor knows what’s going on.”
Shi Qingxuan said, "Okay. It's a small matter. What about the second one?"
Xie Lian said, “If General Pei wants to attack Banyue again, Master Feng will be grateful for your assistance.”
Shi Qingxuan clenched his fist and said, "That's for sure. I won't let Pei Ming succeed. Where is she?"
Xie Lian said, “I’ve hidden her in a pickle jar at Puqi Monastery. If you have time, please take her out and give her a good blow.”
“…”
After thanking Master Feng, the two priests led him to a palace with red glazed walls and said respectfully, "Your Highness, please come in."
Xie Lian nodded and said, “Thank you for your help.”
He stepped inside, the door closing behind him. Xie Lian looked around and walked around the palace, thinking it was a really nice place.
Although it was named Xianle Palace, it bore no resemblance to his former Xianle Palace, and he felt no annoyance at all. He sat in the center of the hall, calmly waiting for Jun Wu to come and inquire.
There was so much chaos just now that there was no time to think. Now that it was quiet, I thought about it again, but doubts arose: As a geomancer, Mingyi would not go undercover for no reason. Did he have a personal grudge with Huacheng, or was he just following orders?
If he was taking orders, it would have to be Jun Wu's orders. However, based on Xie Lian's understanding of Jun Wu, he wasn't the type to proactively place an undercover agent in someone else's territory. After all, the affairs of the Celestial Realm were already busy enough to keep them busy. Perhaps there was something else going on.
As he thought about it, a crimson figure involuntarily appeared in Xie Lian's mind.
The image in his mind was blurry, but the figure in red was crystal clear, motionless, staring at him in the sea of fire. Xie Lian covered his forehead, thinking, "I wonder if Sanlang's Paradise was burned down. If it is, and I'm demoted again this time, I don't know if I can afford to sell everything I have to pay for it..." He sighed and thought, "Even if I can't, I'll have to compensate him. Whether that takes decades or centuries."
After sitting for a while, he reached into his arms, pulled out something, and opened his hands. In his palms were two dice, the very same ones he had brought from Paradise. After looking at them for a moment, Xie Lian clasped his hands together, held the dice in his hand, shook them for a moment, and dropped them to the ground. The dice rolled a few times before settling.
As expected, the luck Huacheng had lent him had already been used up. Xie Lian had hoped for two more sixes, but when the dice landed, the result was two ones.
Xie Lian couldn't help but smile, then shook his head. Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him. He stood still, immediately putting away his smile and the two dice.
Those footsteps weren't Jun Wu's. Jun Wu's footsteps were steady, neither hurried nor slow. Although Hua Cheng walked with a somewhat careless and unruly manner, often slouching, the aura of confidence and determination in their steps was completely consistent. These footsteps, however, seemed a bit lighter. Xie Lian looked back, startled, and said, "It's you."
The man who came was dressed in black, had a fair face, pale lips, and a cold expression. He looked extremely cold. He was clearly a war god, but he looked like a civil servant. Who else could it be but Mu Qing?
Seeing Xie Lian's slight surprise, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "Who do you think it is? Feng Xin?"
Without waiting for an answer, he lifted the hem of his black coat, stepped over the threshold, and said, "Feng Xin, he probably won't be coming."
Xie Lian remained noncommittal and asked, “What are you doing here?”
Mu Qing said, "The Emperor only forbade you from coming here, not Taihua Palace, but he didn't say that I can't come here."
In reality, he didn't answer Xie Lian's question at all. But then, if he didn't want to answer, then he didn't. Xie Lian didn't really want to know, so he didn't press the issue. Mu Qing took a look around the brand-new Xianle Palace, her gaze landing on him. After a moment's scrutiny, she suddenly tossed him something.
A green afterimage flashed through the air. Xie Lian caught it with his left hand, and when he looked at it, he found it was a small green porcelain bottle.
It was a medicine bottle. Mu Qing said calmly, "It's really unpleasant to see your right hand dragging around like this, covered in blood."
Xie Lian held the medicine bottle still and looked at him in return.
Ever since his third ascension, Mu Qing's treatment of him could only be described in one word: "sarcastic."
It was as if he was waiting for him to be kicked out for the third time so that he could make sarcastic remarks on the sidelines. However, at this moment, when Xie Lian really might be kicked out for the third time, he suddenly became friendly and even went out of his way to bring him medicine. This sudden change in attitude made him feel uncomfortable.
Seeing that he didn't move, Mu Qing smiled slightly and said, "You can use it or not. No one will send it to you anyway."
This smile wasn't fake; it was clear he was in a genuinely good mood. While Xie Lian didn't feel any pain in his right hand, there was no need to let it remain injured. Jun Wu had patted his right hand earlier as a last-ditch measure, and medicine would have been even better. So, he opened the small celadon bottle and absentmindedly poured it onto his right arm. Instead of powder or pills, what poured out was a puff of light green smoke. The smoke slowly flowed, enveloping his right arm, its scent fragrant and refreshing. It truly was a good thing.
At this moment, Mu Qing suddenly asked, "Is what Lang Qianqiu said true? Did you really kill those royal family members of Yong'an Kingdom?"
Hearing this, Xie Lian looked up at him.
Even though Mu Qing was being very patient, Xie Lian could still see a hint of uncontrollable excitement in his eyes.
Mu Qing seemed extremely interested in the details of his bloodbath at the Gilded Banquet, and asked, "How did you kill him?"
At this moment, another sound of heavy footsteps came from behind. They both turned around and saw that it was Feng Xin who entered the Fairy Music Palace.
As soon as he entered, he saw Mu Qing in the main hall, standing next to Xie Lian with a smile on his face. He frowned and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Xie Lian raised the small celadon bottle in his hand. Mu Qing suppressed his smile. He had just told Xie Lian that Feng Xin wouldn't come, and yet Feng Xin arrived immediately. How could he still be laughing? He said, "That's funny. If you can come, why can't I?"
Feng Xin ignored him and turned to Xie Lian. Before he could speak, Xie Lian said, "If you two are asking the same question, then I will give the same answer. There's no need to disbelieve me. Everything I said today in the Divine Martial Hall is true."
Hearing him say this, Feng Xin's face turned slightly pale.
Mu Qing, however, hated to see him like this. She lifted her skirt and said, "Alright, General Nanyang, hold back a bit. At this point, who are you trying to show off your gloomy face to?"
Feng Xin glanced at him sharply, then turned around and pointed at the door, saying, "I didn't do it for you to see. Get out!"
Mu Qing said, "You have the right to tell me to get out. You said you were so loyal, but after all these years, you still ran away."
A vein bulged on Feng Xin's forehead, and he closed his eyes, as if hoping to out of sight and out of mind. Xie Lian sensed that the conversation was headed in a bad direction, and raised his hand, "Stop. Stop."
Mu Qing wasn't the type to stop. He sneered, "If this gets out, everyone will say you, General Nanyang, can't bear to see your former master fall, and you understand the greater good. Fine. You have to find a nice excuse to cover it up. To be frank, don't you just want to stop wasting your time with a useless person?"
Feng Xin's eyes suddenly turned red, he opened his eyes and threw a punch, saying: "What do you know about me?!"
With a "bang", Mu Qing punched him right in the face.
“…”
Mu Qing was a typical pretty boy. He was struck by such a powerful punch, and it felt like a persimmon had smashed into his face, blood flowing. But he was unyielding. Without a word, he punched back, saying, "So what do you know about me?!"
After their ascension, both men acquired their own magical weapons, yet when anger seized them, they could only find satisfaction in a single-minded fisticuff. Feng Xin and Mu Qing had been equals in martial arts for eight hundred years, and even then, they were still neck and neck. Their blows landed on flesh, the clashing resounding, and it was difficult to tell who was stronger. Feng Xin angrily exclaimed, "Do you think anyone knows your filthy thoughts? You're only waiting for him to do his worst!"
Mu Qing grinned grimly: "I know you've always looked down on me. It really makes me laugh to death. Look at yourself! What qualifications do you have to look down on me? It's just the pot calling the kettle black!"
No one could have predicted that before Lang Qianqiu and Xie Lian even started fighting, Feng Xin and Mu Qing would strike first. The two, with a long-standing grudge, were locked in a tangle, each hurling insults at the other, ignoring even the insults of the other, let alone Xie Lian's words. Xie Lian remembered how Mu Qing had been a timid and gentle man when the three of them were young. He spoke softly, never dared to shout, let alone throw a punch, and always hid behind others. And when Feng Xin hit someone, it was always at Xie Lian's behest. He fought when he was told to, and stopped when he was told to. But that was no longer the case. Xie Lian had no experience in mediating these two. He rubbed his brow as he walked, thinking of rushing to the door to call for the priests to intervene. But before he could even step out of the hall, he heard a loud bang up ahead. Feng Xin and Mu Qing, already in the thick of their fight, were startled by the clamor. They both stopped, their heads in alert, and gazed towards the source of the noise.
The gate of Xianle Palace was kicked open. Outside the gate, instead of the broad and open Shenwu Avenue of Xianjing, there was a dead darkness.
In the darkness, countless cold silver butterflies flew towards him.
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